Rev. Carroll Eleuther Heffner

Rev. Carroll E. Heffner was born on September 6, 1934, and he grew up in the Irish Channel, where he attended St. Alphonsus Elementary School. He later attended St. Aloysius High School. He graduated in 1952, at which time he left home to begin his studies for the priesthood in St. Louis. He was ordained a Redemptorist in 1961 in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. He celebrated his first Mass at St. Agnes Church in Old Jefferson, where his parents were residing at that time. His first years in ministry were served in parishes in San Antonio and Houston. Back in Louisiana, he spent a brief time as administrator of the Redemptorist minor seminary property in Lacombe. In 1985, he transferred from the Redemptorist order to the Archdiocese of New Orleans and was welcomed by Archbishop Hannan. He served as a parochial vicar at St. Ann, as pastor of St. Benilde, and as a chaplain at Ochsner Hospital before his retirement. The common attribute that many of his parishioners remember him for is the time and effort he invested each week in preparing a meaningful homily that would leave them with something tangible to guide them through the following week.

During his retirement, Father Heffner took advantage of his extra free time to do and learn things that he had never had the opportunity or the time while he was in full-time ministry. One of his dreams was to take piano lessons. From his boyhood, he loved music and had always wished that he could play the piano. After he bought himself a Baby Grand, he delved into his classes with gusto. Two years later, he gave a private recital to several family members who could actually recognize the Christmas carols he was tapping out on the keyboard. His virtuoso career, however, was abruptly cut short when he fell and broke his wrist. He then switched his efforts to learning Spanish, listening to his numerous classical music CDs, and reading. An avid reader. His bookcase was filled with a variety of books: theology, history (mainly WWII), literature, cookbooks, and alternative medicine. If anyone complained to him about an ailment, Father was able to recommend the exact dietary supplement that would cure it!

Besides his faith, family was a very important element of Father Heffner's life. For years, the family home had always been the gathering place on Sundays for the extended family. It was not unusual for fifteen or more people to be huddled together in the kitchen and den of a house that would have comfortably handled six or eight. Upon his retirement, that same house became his residence, and the gatherings continued several times each year with a particular theme. Father not only celebrated the major religious and civil holidays but also decorated for them. His attic was lined with numerous boxes marked for Christmas, Mardi Gras, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, Fourth of July, Halloween, and Thanksgiving. After the decorations were hung, he wanted others to enjoy them, so an invitation to a meal for a Sunday afternoon was sent out "to the usual suspects."

Although Father Heffner sometimes appeared gruff, deep down he was a very sensitive individual, and his sensitivity, concern, and compassion extended to animals as well. His family always included pets; so, it is not surprising that, as a priest, he also welcomed his furry friends, Dixie, Buttons, and Bootsie. One unique pet he housed was a rabbit, O'Hare, whom he occasionally put on a leash and paraded through the schoolyard at recess for the children to enjoy.

Father Heffner is preceded in death by his parents, Marvin J. Heffner and Catherine "Katie" Hughes Heffner, and his siblings, William "Billy" Heffner, Anthony "Tony" Marvin Heffner, Sr., and Michael Gerard Heffner.

He leaves behind, to cherish his memory, his sister, Cynthia Heffner Stouder (Darryl), and nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit St. Agnes Church, 3310 Jefferson Hwy, Jefferson, LA 70121, on Saturday, January 24, 2026, starting at 9:30 AM. A Funeral Mass will follow the visitation at 11:00 AM. The burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Tunnel to Towers (t2t.org/) or Wounded Worrier Project (support.woundedwarriorproject.org).